Push Begins For Obama Birthday Holiday

(Springfield, IL) — Barack Obama’s birthday would be the newest state holiday if a bill introduced in Springfield becomes law. Representative Andre Thapedi of Chicago says a holiday would be an appropriate honor for the first black U.S. President and former state senator, who also is a Nobel Peace Prize winner. If August 4th is added to the list of days when state government offices and schools are closed, it would make 14 state and federal holidays recognized by Illinois.